Automation of Daily Routines

Tuning procedures

I used Garageband to create an automated tuning sequence. Mind you, this is to be used after your students have become familiar with tuning their own instruments somewhat independently. I use this time to walk around my room, assist with tuning, and take care of other matters (administrative duties, like attendance).

I use a three step system for each string:

1. Listen – students carefully listen to the pitch without talking or movement

Warm-ups (scales, exercises, echoes, etc.)

I have created audio files that help my orchestras learn and play scales. The scales are played in whole notes, with quarter note at about 70 bpm. This gives students time to adjust their pitch and helps students really lock it in. In addition, it helps students work on that ever-so-difficult concept of slow bows, improving their bowstroke and tone.

To help students learn their scales, I pass out my Scale “Cheat Sheet” (pdf). This allows my advanced students to play in upper octaves and others to play at the lower octave. In addition, it allows them to focus on the note name rather than the notation.

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About the Author

Dr. Charles Laux is the Director of Orchestras at Alpharetta High School (near Atlanta, Georgia) where his duties include directing four levels of orchestra, including the nationally recognized AHS Symphony Orchestra, and teaching class guitar. He also serves as Essential Elements clinician, consultant, and contributor for the Hal Leonard Corporation. Dr. Laux holds degrees in music education from Ohio University, the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.

A string educator for over 20 years, Dr. Laux has worked with diverse student populations from elementary school through collegiate level. He served as Assistant Professor of String Music Education at Kennesaw State University from 2012-2016 where he taught string techniques and pedagogy, music education technology integration, supervised student teachers, conducted the KSU Philharmonic and coordinated string outreach activities, including serving as founding director of the KSU String Project. Under his leadership, Kennesaw State University became the largest string education program in Georgia and the KSU String Project grew to serve nearly 110 elementary school students. Previously Dr. Laux directed award-winning school orchestra programs in Nevada, Florida, and Ohio. Under his direction, the Winter Park High School Philharmonic Orchestra was selected to perform at the 60th annual Midwest Clinic.

Endorsed as an artist educator by D’Addario Orchestral and Eastman Stringed Instruments, Dr. Laux has presented over 100 educational sessions for organizations such as the Midwest Clinic, American String Teachers Association, Technology Institute for Music Education, Association for Technology in Music Instruction, and at music conferences spanning 21 states. He regularly presents professional development in-services for school districts across the country and has presented internationally at Colegio Menor San Francisco near Quito, Ecuador. His performing experience includes seasons with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Nevada Chamber Symphony, the Columbus String Quartet, and a collaborative solo-performance with several members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.